A tragic incident occurred in Ejigbo, Osun State, where Professor Richard Adeoriokin, a professor at Prairie View A&M University in Houston, Texas, and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was reportedly shot dead by a local security guard.
The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on Saturday following a public function attended by the professor, his political associates, and the son of Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oyeyode Oyesosin.
According to reports, the security guard accidentally shot the professor while bidding him farewell. The guard was instructed by the king’s son to fire gunshots into the air as a gesture of farewell to his friends. However, one of the bullets hit the professor, resulting in his tragic death. The enraged mob subseque
ntly killed the security guard in retaliation.
The late professor’s personal assistant, Afeez Lawal, who was present at the scene, confirmed the incident. He mentioned that the professor had attended a ceremony where Governor Ademola Adeleke was conferred with a chieftaincy title before the tragic incident occurred.
The remains of the professor have been deposited in Osun State University Teaching Hospital Morgue, as confirmed by his aide.
In response to the incident, Osun State Governor, Adeleke, has directed law enforcement agencies to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident. He also offered his condolences to the Ogiyan of Ejigbo and called for pre-emptive action by security agencies to prevent any possible counter-attacks or eruption of violence in the ancient town.
Governor Adeleke emphasized the need for regulations on the usage of local guns to enhance the safety and protection of citizens, especially at public functions.
